GRAYSON —
A deadly statewide outbreak of Salmonella has been linked to the consumption of melons, public health officials said Friday.
The Department for Public Health said cantaloupes tested in the state public health laboratory carry the same strain of Salmonella associated with the ongoing outbreak, which has been associated with two deaths and sickened at least 50 Kentuckians.
Nine Carter County residents have been sickened by the bacteria since late July, but have all recovered, said regional epidemiologist Kristy Bolen. Eight of the cases were in Olive Hill. “We got the first case July 24 and the last case July 31, so we haven’t had any new cases in three weeks,” she said.
“It’s ongoing in the rest of the state but we haven’t seen anything new locally, but we do want people to be aware of it,” Bolen said.
According to public health officials, cantaloupes grown in southwestern Indiana but purchased in Kentucky were found to carry the same strain of Salmonella determined to be the cause of the outbreak. Salmonellosis cases caused by the outbreak strain have also been reported in other states. The DPH investigation continues into other clusters of salmonella cases in Kentucky, which may be linked to cantaloupe or watermelon consumption, officials said. No Kentucky-grown cantaloupes have been associated with this outbreak.
“Foodborne illness is a serious threat to public health. Consumers are advised to avoid eating cantaloupes from southwestern Indiana, especially if they are at heightened risk for complications from salmonella infection,” said acting Public Health Commissioner Steve Davis, M.D. “In addition, healthcare providers are encouraged to be mindful of patients who may have symptoms consistent with salmonellosis and report all cases to the local health department.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is collaborating with public health officials in affected states and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to investigate the ongoing outbreak, including tracing the source of the affected melons and shipments of melons that may have been contaminated.
Salmonella infections are relatively common, generally resulting in diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12–72 hours after infection. Infection is most often diagnosed by culture of a stool sample. The illness usually lasts 4-7 days. Although most people recover without treatment, severe infections may occur, especially in young infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
Salmonella is a bacterium that can be found in the intestines of animals. Salmonellosis is often contracted from eating raw eggs or raw poultry or having those products touch other items that are then eaten (such as using the same cutting board for raw chicken and produce). Salmonella can also be found on the skin of reptiles and other animals. Handwashing should always be encouraged after playing with pets, especially in young children. Salmonella can occasionally be found on contaminated produce items, so all produce should be thoroughly washed and scrubbed before eating. In general, the FDA recommends thoroughly washing and scrubbing the rinds of all cantaloupes and melons prior to cutting and slicing, and to keep sliced melons refrigerated prior to eating.
If you believe you have experienced symptoms of salmonellosis, consult your healthcare provider. If you have a question, contact your local health department or the Kentucky department for Public Health’s Food Safety Branch at (502) 564-7181.
CARRIE STAMBAUGH can be reached at cstambaugh@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2653.
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